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魔女の宅急便 [Majo no Takkyūbin] #4
Kiki's Delivery Service, Volume 4
Kiki, a young witch-in-training, has reached the age of 13. According to tradition, all witches of that age must leave home for one year, so that they can learn how to live on their own. Kiki, along with her talking cat Jiji, fly away to live in the seaside town of Korico. After starting her own delivery service (using her broom as the delivery vehicle), Kiki must learn how to deal with her new life, especially after she loses the power to fly.
152 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1989
2 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Hayao Miyazaki
369 books3,516 followersHayao Miyazaki (Japanese: 宮崎 駿) is a celebrated Japanese animator, filmmaker, screenwriter, and manga artist, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of animation. He is the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, the animation studio responsible for producing many of Japan’s most beloved and internationally acclaimed animated films. Over the course of a career spanning decades, Miyazaki has developed a reputation for creating visually rich, emotionally resonant stories that often explore themes such as nature, pacifism, flight, childhood, and the human condition.
Miyazaki was born in Tokyo and developed an early interest in drawing and animation. His father’s work in the aviation industry had a significant influence on him, particularly in fostering his fascination with aircraft and flight, motifs that would become prominent throughout his later works. After studying political science and economics at university, Miyazaki began his professional career in animation when he joined Toei Animation. There, he worked under the mentorship of directors like Isao Takahata, with whom he would later form a lifelong creative partnership.
In his early years at Toei and other studios, Miyazaki contributed to several television series and animated films. He worked as a key animator and storyboard artist, gradually gaining recognition for his storytelling abilities and attention to detail. Among his early projects were contributions to series such as Heidi, Girl of the Alps and Future Boy Conan. His directorial debut in feature films came with The Castle of Cagliostro, a film adaptation of the Lupin III manga series, which already showed signs of his distinctive style and sensibilities.
Miyazaki's breakthrough came with the film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, based on his own manga. The success of that film prompted the establishment of Studio Ghibli, which he co-founded with Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki. From that point forward, Miyazaki directed and wrote many of Ghibli’s most iconic works, including My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle. His films are known for their hand-drawn animation, strong character development, and philosophical underpinnings.
In 2001, Miyazaki directed Spirited Away, which became one of the most critically and commercially successful animated films of all time. The film received numerous awards and international recognition, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It also became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history at the time of its release. The film’s success further solidified Miyazaki’s reputation as a master storyteller and a visionary in global cinema.
Despite announcing his retirement several times, Miyazaki repeatedly returned to filmmaking. His later works, such as Ponyo and The Wind Rises, continued to showcase his evolving themes and storytelling maturity. His most recent project, The Boy and the Heron, marked a highly anticipated return to the director’s chair and once again captivated audiences with its dreamlike visuals and emotional depth.
Miyazaki’s films are often distinguished by their complex female protagonists, environmental messages, and moral ambiguity. Rather than presenting clear-cut villains and heroes, his stories explore the nuances of human behavior and often focus on characters finding their place in the world. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to the arts, including lifetime achievement awards recognizing his impact on both Japanese and international cinema.
His legacy continues to influence generations of animators and filmmakers worldwide, and Studio Ghibli remains one of the most respected names in animation.
Miyazaki was born in Tokyo and developed an early interest in drawing and animation. His father’s work in the aviation industry had a significant influence on him, particularly in fostering his fascination with aircraft and flight, motifs that would become prominent throughout his later works. After studying political science and economics at university, Miyazaki began his professional career in animation when he joined Toei Animation. There, he worked under the mentorship of directors like Isao Takahata, with whom he would later form a lifelong creative partnership.
In his early years at Toei and other studios, Miyazaki contributed to several television series and animated films. He worked as a key animator and storyboard artist, gradually gaining recognition for his storytelling abilities and attention to detail. Among his early projects were contributions to series such as Heidi, Girl of the Alps and Future Boy Conan. His directorial debut in feature films came with The Castle of Cagliostro, a film adaptation of the Lupin III manga series, which already showed signs of his distinctive style and sensibilities.
Miyazaki's breakthrough came with the film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, based on his own manga. The success of that film prompted the establishment of Studio Ghibli, which he co-founded with Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki. From that point forward, Miyazaki directed and wrote many of Ghibli’s most iconic works, including My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle. His films are known for their hand-drawn animation, strong character development, and philosophical underpinnings.
In 2001, Miyazaki directed Spirited Away, which became one of the most critically and commercially successful animated films of all time. The film received numerous awards and international recognition, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It also became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history at the time of its release. The film’s success further solidified Miyazaki’s reputation as a master storyteller and a visionary in global cinema.
Despite announcing his retirement several times, Miyazaki repeatedly returned to filmmaking. His later works, such as Ponyo and The Wind Rises, continued to showcase his evolving themes and storytelling maturity. His most recent project, The Boy and the Heron, marked a highly anticipated return to the director’s chair and once again captivated audiences with its dreamlike visuals and emotional depth.
Miyazaki’s films are often distinguished by their complex female protagonists, environmental messages, and moral ambiguity. Rather than presenting clear-cut villains and heroes, his stories explore the nuances of human behavior and often focus on characters finding their place in the world. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to the arts, including lifetime achievement awards recognizing his impact on both Japanese and international cinema.
His legacy continues to influence generations of animators and filmmakers worldwide, and Studio Ghibli remains one of the most respected names in animation.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 10, 2018
It was so lovely to consume the story this way ✨
October 9, 2017
I'm sad to finish these as they've been so so lovely!!
January 14, 2019
::Kiki's Delivery Service's Characters::
Kokiri
Kokiri is a very good witch and specializes in making herbal medicine. Every witch has a special talent and to make medicine was her specialty. Kokiri was at first hesitate to let Kiki leave home because she felt Kiki was too young (but then, I think all mothers think their daughers are too young to leave home). However, after seeing her daughter's enthusiasim, Kokiri gave her blessing by making a special dress for Kiki as well as giving her broom to Kiki.
***
Okino
Okino is not a warlock (male Witch) but rather just a plain-old-regular human. He first met Kokiri (Kiki's Mom) when she was 13 years old and arrived at his town to begin her witch training. Okino was also hesitant to let Kiki leave home at such a young age, but like Kokiri, he put aside his own disappointment and gave Kiki his blessings.
Kokiri
Kokiri is a very good witch and specializes in making herbal medicine. Every witch has a special talent and to make medicine was her specialty. Kokiri was at first hesitate to let Kiki leave home because she felt Kiki was too young (but then, I think all mothers think their daughers are too young to leave home). However, after seeing her daughter's enthusiasim, Kokiri gave her blessing by making a special dress for Kiki as well as giving her broom to Kiki.
***
Okino
Okino is not a warlock (male Witch) but rather just a plain-old-regular human. He first met Kokiri (Kiki's Mom) when she was 13 years old and arrived at his town to begin her witch training. Okino was also hesitant to let Kiki leave home at such a young age, but like Kokiri, he put aside his own disappointment and gave Kiki his blessings.
October 14, 2016
Obviously I love Kiki's Delivery Service, it's been one of my all-time favorite movies since I was like 5 years old. On that note, I'm sort of biased in my review, but I truly believe this story demonstrates independence as a rite of passage perfectly; one major element of this story is inspiration and how it is the driving force that motivates us to keep going every day. As for the characters, I enjoyed the bond between Kiki and Jiji, her black cat, and I appreciated the development of the characters, particularly Kiki. Similar to Chihiro from Spirited Away, the development of Kiki is a transformation especially by the end.
Through various trials and errors, Kiki adjusts to her new life and responsibilities as a teenage witch in a new city in a timeless tale and classic Studio Ghibli production.
Side-Note: Studio Ghibli comics are the perfect adaptations of their films. Sometimes I found myself discovering little trivial parts of the story that I never noticed before.
Through various trials and errors, Kiki adjusts to her new life and responsibilities as a teenage witch in a new city in a timeless tale and classic Studio Ghibli production.
Side-Note: Studio Ghibli comics are the perfect adaptations of their films. Sometimes I found myself discovering little trivial parts of the story that I never noticed before.
August 1, 2019
I loved seeing the intrigue of one of my children reading this to me. The Studio Ghibli series are great for budding readers! We were inspired to read these due to the Ghibli festival at our local theater with the reward of seeing the movie on the big screen afterwards. A lower rating on this one because of the hitch-hiking and the girl baring her legs to the random male driver - wha?!! I realize these were written 30+ years ago, but even in the 80's hitch-hiking was a no-no (maybe not in Japan?). Otherwise a great fantasy manga read!
October 21, 2019
Wow, so much happened in this volume. I absolutely loved this series!! I feel like I need to watch the movie now.
One thing I do wish was that Kiki would return home and be with her family again but I do love the ending still. She has learned so much.
One thing I do wish was that Kiki would return home and be with her family again but I do love the ending still. She has learned so much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2019
I love it.
May 20, 2019
If you love the movie (and who doesn't), then these four volumes are a treat. Images from the movie are used to tell the story and it even includes the ending credit scenes. Lots of fun here!
June 4, 2019
More so a 3.5 rating; rounded up to 4 stars since it was a cute movie
July 1, 2019
I've watched this movie so many times that reading this graphic novel was pretty much like watching the movie. ^_^" But in a much shorter time frame, about 30-40 mins?
July 20, 2020
4.5 stars! my fav and a great conclusion
June 13, 2021
Now I want to watch the movie again and again. Love these film comics!
December 18, 2020
Really enjoy reading this mini series. It was quick and fun to read. I'm excited to watch the movie!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews